International Braille Day
2026-01-04 / Calendar of events
To highlight the significance of the Braille alphabet, which plays an important role in ensuring equal access to reading and information for blind and visually impaired individuals, the UN General Assembly declared January 4 as International Braille Day in 2018. This date also commemorates the birthday of Louis Braille — the French educator who created the Braille system.
The Braille alphabet was developed in 1824 when Louis Braille was only 15 years old. It is based on special combinations of six raised dots. This system enables blind individuals not only to read and write, but also to pursue independent learning, access information, and actively participate in society.
Today, the Braille alphabet is used in almost all countries around the world. International Braille Day promotes the ideals of inclusion, equal access to education, information openness, and support for people with disabilities.